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- calendar_today October 20, 2026
Former MLB Player and Spouse Charged with Ontario Baseball Fraud
Richard Butler, a former Major League Baseball player, and his wife, Michelle Butler, have been charged with multiple offences following a fraud investigation related to a youth baseball training program in Ontario, according to Durham Regional Police.
Details of the Fraud Investigation
Police allege that between April 1 and October 31, 2025, around $60,000 in registration fees for the Ontario Devil Rays baseball training program was deposited into a bank account linked to the program. Instead of being used for the advertised youth baseball training, those funds were then transferred to other accounts allegedly associated with the couple.
Services Allegedly Not Provided
Durham Regional Police stated that families paid for the 2025-2026 Ontario Devil Rays training program, but the agreed-upon training services were never delivered. Those impacted reportedly received an email on October 19, 2025, claiming the business had been dissolved due to financial hardship and was declaring bankruptcy.
Forgery Alleged in Bankruptcy Claim
Investigators said the lawyer's name used to announce the business's dissolution was "allegedly used without his knowledge or permission, and no bankruptcy or insolvency proceedings were initiated," according to a police news release. This communication is under scrutiny as part of the ongoing fraudulent bankruptcy claim.
Charges Laid in Baseball Registration Fees Case
Richard Butler, 53, and Michelle Butler, 52, both of Frankfurt, Ontario, have each been charged with:
- Fraud over $5,000
- Possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000
- Uttering a forged document
Police are continuing their investigation and have expressed concern that additional victims may exist. Individuals with relevant information are urged to contact Durham police.
Connection to Major League Baseball
The Major League Baseball website indicates a player of Richard Butler's name and age appeared in three MLB seasons, including with the Toronto Blue Jays in 1997 and the Tampa Bay Rays from 1998 to 1999. CBC News is seeking confirmation from police on whether it is the same individual charged in this case.
Call for More Information
The Durham police investigation is ongoing, and authorities are appealing for information from potential further victims in relation to this youth baseball program fraud. The case has highlighted concerns around youth sports scams and the importance of thorough oversight in community athletic programs.
Source: cbc.ca.
